Bianca Gonzalez: 'We're not a poor country, we're a plundered country'
By Neil Ramos
At A Glance
- TV host Bianca Gonzalez shares her frustrations about corruption, taxes, and governance in the Philippines, saying Filipinos deserve better public service and systems.
Television host Bianca Gonzalez did not hold back as she shared her frustrations over the state of the Philippines, stressing that Filipinos deserve better governance, stronger public systems, and accountability from leaders.
The “Pinoy Big Brother” host opened up about her views during an appearance on Kylie Verzosa’s podcast “Almost Honest,” where the conversation touched on Filipino resilience and the country’s long-standing social and political issues.
Asked whether Filipinos have become too accustomed to celebrating resilience instead of demanding change, Bianca said people have repeatedly been given reasons to call for better governance through the years.
“Yes. We do, we definitely do. I mean, it’s happened so many times. I think the universe and God has been giving Filipinos signs to demand better through the years. Kung ano-ano, but still we’re stuck here,” she said.
While acknowledging that resilience remains one of Filipinos’ strongest qualities, Bianca pointed out that citizens should not constantly have to endure hardships caused by poor systems.
According to the ABS-CBN host, Filipinos deserve efficient public service and government programs that genuinely improve people’s lives. She also stressed that taxes paid by citizens should directly benefit the public.
“As much as resilience is a great trait, Filipinos definitely deserve better. Public service and systems in place to make everyone’s lives a bit better and to make everyone’s tax work for the people,” she explained.
Bianca then turned candid about paying taxes, saying it can be frustrating amid controversies involving corruption and misuse of public funds.
“It’s so true. We’re not a poor country, we’re a plundered country,” she remarked.
She added humor to the discussion by joking about where taxpayers’ money could be ending up.
“Hirap magbayad ng tax kapag tine-text ako ng accountant ko parang saan ba mapupunta ’to, kaninong kotse na naman ’to?” Bianca said.